Jones has said it would be a "dream" to captain Wales

"I believe Stephen should be captain of Wales," Bennett told BBC Wales Sport.

"He's worked with Gareth Jenkins before, he controls the game anyhow at number 10 and now has the faith and belief in his own ability."

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins will name his new captain next month, with fly-half Jones, prop Duncan Jones and full-back Gareth Thomas in the frame.

Thomas, who led Wales to the Grand Slam in 2005, has only just returned to competitive rugby after missing the final three months of last season with a neck injury.

Duncan Jones was made captain for the summer tour to South America, which Scarlets fly-half Jones and Thomas missed, but Bennett believes his place in the side is far from guaranteed.

I think he's a much improved player, both on the field and perhaps a more mature man off the field Phil Bennett

"Duncan Jones is a top man, but he's up against Gethin Jenkins, who is a very good loose-head prop. He's not certain of his place 100%," said former Wales and Llanelli fly-half Bennett.

"I look at Gareth Thomas, and I think 'fantastic captain'. But he needs to play himself back into the side and get his fitness right."

Jones will make his first competitive appearance at Stradey Park since rejoining the Scarlets over the summer in Friday's Magners League match with Glasgow.

The 28-year-old has spent the last two seasons in the French top-flight with Clermont Auvergne, and Bennett believes Jones is returning a far better player.

"If you look back, Stephen came into the Llanelli side which had experienced players like Scott Quinnell and Rupert Moon," said Bennett.

"He was a little bit quiet and didn't boss or control the game.

"But when he went out to Clermont, they told him 'we've paid a lot of money for you and you're in charge'.

"He had lots of internationals around him, but he was the main man.

It's great to have a man of that confidence in charge at number 10 Phil Bennett

"They had complete faith in him and, now he's come back, he has the ability to control a game.

"You see it with Wales and you'll certainly see it with the Scarlets.

"I think he's a much improved player, both on the field and perhaps a more mature man off the field."

Bennett believes the unpredictable style of French club rugby has also taught Jones to be more adventurous and creative.

"French rugby can be brutal up front, but they have some fantastic back players who just express themselves," added Bennett.

"I think Stephen will tell you that even when you're on your own line the coach would tell you to go for the gap if it appears.

"If Stephen did have a slight fault, he did play too much within a game plan. But now he's far more confident in his own ability and he controls the game.